Realising Legal Rights for People Living with HIV and AIDS in Uganda

Project Summary

Aim:

To increase the knowledge and protection of the legal rights of children, women and men affected by HIV and AIDS in Kamuli district and Kawempe division in Kampala

Region:

Kamuli district and Kawempe division in Kampala

Project Duration:

FY2004 to FY2010

Total Public Funds Required:

Fully funded

In Uganda, when children are orphaned or a woman is widowed, the family's property is often claimed by their in-laws, leaving the immediate family destitute. However, Plan's Reducing Community Vulnerability to HIV and AIDS priority project is working with communities to increase the respect for and observance of the legal rights of people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.

Why helping people to realise their legal rights is a priority

In Uganda, lack of knowledge of legal rights means that people often do not realise their rights under the law, especially in cases dealing with inheritance. However, for people living with HIV and AIDS and their carers, the isolating effects of stigma and discrimination often discourages people from seeking help such as legal advice. Increasing knowledge of legal rights amongst all community members ensures those living with HIV and AIDS know how to seek assistance if their rights or the rights of others are violated, and the community begins to see legal rights as a serious issue.  

What is being done

Plan specifically aims to increase the knowledge and protection of the legal rights of children, women and men affected by HIV and AIDS in Kamuli district and Kawempe division in Kampala. Training provided to key community and local government leaders equips them with the skills to successfully settle disputes in extended families at the local level and in accordance with the national law.

What has been achieved so far

Through community education, adults and children now have a greater understanding of their legal rights and how to seek assistance if their rights are threatened. As a result of legal rights training and awareness, clan leaders, community volunteers and others such as local district officials are now better able to resolve cases using alternative dispute resolution in line with the law. More people are writing wills to safeguard the inheritance rights of women and children, with some people also appointing women and girls as administrators of estates.

What needs to be done this year

In FY2010, Plan Australia will continue to support Plan Uganda, local partners and communities in Kamuli and Kawempe to:

• Support community education on rights through the work of trained community volunteers, local district officials and clan leaders in communities.

• Mentor community leaders and volunteers to continue to assist women, men and children to seek redress if their rights have been abused.

• Mentor and support previously trained community volunteers, local district officials and clan leaders to further develop their skills and knowledge as mediators to resolve disputes amicably and in line with the national law.

• Continue to facilitate the development of an on-going referral system amongst community leaders and volunteers, local district officials and other stakeholders to provide community education and dispute resolution services.

This project is also supported by AusAID, the Australian Government Agency for International Development.